The conference provided a neutral humanitarian space for families of missing persons to interact with families from other communities, exchange views and discuss common issues and challenges faced in the continuous search for their missing loved ones and how to overcome them collectively. The need to know the fate and whereabouts of their missing loved ones was reiterated throughout the conference by the participating families of missing persons.
The 2nd National Conference for Families of Missing Persons also served as a forum for families to engage in a direct, interactive dialogue with the relevant authorities on improving the existing processes and mechanisms available in Sri Lanka to address the multifaceted needs of families of missing persons. Speaking to the families, Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, highlighted the importance of justice, acknowledgment, and economic and psychosocial support for families of missing persons, while the officials from the Office on Missing Persons responded to queries from families. The participants also benefitted from a presentation on the use of the certificate of absence, delivered by the representatives from the Registrar General’s Department. Further, the families engaged in a dialogue on their needs and challenges with members of the international community.
At the event, the findings from a recently concluded review of needs and expectations of families of missing persons in Sri Lanka, conducted by the ICRC, was shared with the participating families, representatives of the international community, and civil society actors. The conference also included a panel discussion with two psychologists specializing in dealing with ambiguous loss or ‘frozen grief’.
The representatives of families of missing persons emphasized the importance of acknowledging their suffering and the need to receive answers on the fate and whereabouts of their missing loves ones while drawing attention to the necessity for comprehensive support from authorities.
The 2nd National Conference for Families of Missing Persons in Sri Lanka was conceptualized, in consultation with families of missing persons from the East, North and South of Sri Lanka, reflecting their priorities.
About the International Committee of the Red Cross
Established in 1863, the ICRC operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence and promoting the laws that protect victims of war. It is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and works in more than 100 countries. A neutral, independent, impartial organization, its mandate stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
Media contacts
Ruwanthi Jayasundare, ICRC Colombo
Tel: +94 11 250 33 46 or + 94 0773865382
